KENOSHA, Wis. – Carthage College invites the community to a panel discussion where healthcare leaders will address the most pressing issues facing the industry and pinpoint educators’ role in equipping students to thrive in the healthcare workforce.
This free luncheon, hosted by the Carthage Business and Professional Coalition, will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 13 in the Todd Wehr Center. The campus is located at 2001 Alford Park Drive.
The panelists for “What Healthcare Needs from Higher Education” are:
- Lynda Bogdala, administrator at Brookside Care Center (Kenosha)
- Kristin McManmon, president and CEO of Ascension All Saints Hospital (Racine)
- David Reitzel, chief information officer at healthcare technology firm Premier Inc. and 1996 Carthage graduate
To frame the regional healthcare landscape, Carthage President John Swallow will share insights from alumni and employer surveys. The results illuminate the industry’s primary workforce challenges.
The panel will dig deeper into topics such as the increasing demand for care due to an aging population, innovations in service delivery, and data-driven change. Paul Martino, dean of the college’s new School of Health, will serve as moderator.
These expert panelists were among more than 50 healthcare professionals Carthage interviewed in preparation for the school’s launch. Aligning patient-focused and biomedical research-focused academic programs under one umbrella, the School of Health is intended as a highly adaptable talent incubator.
Now chaired by Nicole Ryf, president of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA), the Business and Professional Coalition has brought regional civic, business, and professional leaders together at Carthage for nearly 30 years. The 2025-26 season is exploring Wisconsin’s emerging industries, workforce needs, and economic opportunities in the decade ahead.
Although there is no admission charge for this event, advance registration is required. To sign up, visit www.carthage.edu/panel by Nov. 8.
